After Parents Take Own Lives, Aunt & Uncle Adopt Their 4 Children To Become A Family Of 11

Jan 04, 2019

Families have a way of lifting each other in difficult times. No matter what difficulties you face, when trouble strikes, families can lean on one another and get through dark times. The children of Darrin and Emily Hammond recently learned that lesson first hand. The four Hammond children are no strangers to tragedy. In December of 2017, their father committed suicide. Four months later, their mother, overcome with grief, also took her own life. 

The children, whose names are being withheld from the media to protect their privacy, were devastated by the loss of their parents. That both of them died by suicide was particularly troubling for the children. As those familiar with suicide know, those close to people who die by suicide are left to wonder if they had done something differently, maybe their loved one would still be alive.

Lana Weber, Darrin’s sister, described her brother’s death as surprising, despite the fact that she knew he and Emily struggled with mental illness. Despite her grief, Lana and her husband, Dan, never hesitated in adopting their four nieces and nephews. Speaking with Today, Lana joked that sometimes the shower and bathroom situation can be difficult. In addition to Darrin and Emily’s children, Lana and Dan have five children of their own.

Even though nine children can be a big burden, Lana knew that it was her duty to take care of her nieces and nephews. Living in the same community in Idaho, Lana said that part of her reasoning in taking-in Emily and Darrin’s kids was so they could remain in the same school and remain close to their friends.

News of Lana and Dan’s kindness in adopting the four children spread like wildfire around the area, with the couple receiving ardent praise. One Good Samaritan in the area was even moved to donate money to the family. Nate Eaton, a reporter with East Idaho News, revealed that a Secret Santa wanted to donate $10,000 to help care for the children. Nate explained that the anonymous donor was giving away $250,000 to various causes and wanted to help the family. Astonished by the news, Lana and Dan expressed their great gratitude for the kind donation.

What do you think of the story of the Hammond children? Have you ever gone out of your way to help a family member in a difficult position?